It's kinda cute how this lovely american couple describe Germany and the germans. For me as a german their videos literally kinda flatter me. 😅And I think I can speak for every german when I say, people like you are very welcome here in Germany! People like you definitely make our Society a better one. ❤
I have to admit when I moved from Florida to Germany I found it really difficult to adjust to how much the Germans (bavarians, in my case) are outside. Even though I was from Florida and we spend soooo much time at the beach I couldn’t get why they spent sooooo much more time outside, hiking things, parks, eating outdoors, exercising etc. but now I absolutely love it!!! Seriously my dream weekend Is hiking near Munich(rosenheim) and then a Käse-Wurst-Platte outside at a Hütte. Is that crazy or what! it has become a part of me!! hopefully I will be successfully in passing on my love for the outdoors to my German-American kids! Thanks for this nice video ❤️
What a great comment! We also call it "Biergartenkultur" - that means that you got to a nearby "Biergarten" by bike eat and drink and go home by bike afterwards ... And because you go by bike there it is OK if you eat "Schweineibraten mit Knödel", "Käsekrainer mit Kartoffelsalat", "Wurstsalat", "Sauerer Pressack"; "Kalter Braten" or a "Geräuchertes" - because you "burn" all calories when you ride home again :-) Many cities and "Landkreise" have tips to wich "Biergärten" you can go by bike. Sometimes it is a little journal enclosed in the week end edition of your daily newspaper often called "Biergärten in der Region" ... etc.
@@Humpelstilzchen we are actually living in Malaysia right now and we’re going back to Bavaria to visit in September (first time in 2.5 years!) and I cannot WAIT to get my hands on a Käse Wurst Platte. I literally am counting the days!!!
I think you are a gift to us Germans who forget what is beautiful and good in our country. I am really grateful for your view. We are taking everything for granted, we don't know that some things are an achievement, we are complaining about our country, not realizing that all these little things are our culture and that they are simply good. I will think of you with a grateful smile when I am hanging my laundry outside and when I am drying my self with a stiff towel. You are wonderful American Bavarians or Bavarian Americans. Thank you for your channel. Every video is a pleasure to watch.
Honestly, the more I watch about Americans talking about America, the more I am grateful to live here. Especially when it comes to healthcare. I mean I’ve never been ungrateful about it or complained about living here - I always found it safe and good here. But I’m wayyy more grateful now. XD
When I'm talkiing with friends, with colleagues in my office or with family members, we (Germans) all do have PROBLEMS. But when I'm watching your videos, I always realize how THANKFUL we must be to be Germans. And also to be Bavarian, where you settled down . Thank you for coming " back to basics" by your videos and explenations. Until next time, Klaus Z 😘.
Hi Klaus! You’ve got so much good going on here. But I guess it’s almost important to complain as no country is perfect and can always use improvement!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Hi Sara, my above mentioned comment was written on my mobile phone during my todays bicycle ride. A short time after sending, I got an answer, which was really suspect for me. The sender was using your profile photo, but it wasn`t from you as channel owner. Did or do you have a troll on your channel at the moment ?
@@KlausZanetti That's pretty common on any video. Scammers use the channel's images to get you to contact them on a messenger and give them money to receive a "Prize" that you will then never receive.
Ja leider lacht inzwischen die ganze Welt über uns wenn man sich ausländische Nachrichten anschaut also ich kann mir türkische russische englische amerikanische Nachrichten anschauen zum Teil spanische die ganze Welt wundert sich weshalb Deutschlands sich wirtschaftlich den eigenen Ast so unglaublich gründlich abschneidet und inzwischen wird auch über das deutsche Schlaf Michel... Einstellung der deutschen dass die sich gar nicht bewegen und für ihre Steuergelder mehr Unterstützung verlangen und eine wesentlich bessere Behandlung auf dem Behörden da damals von England eingeführt made in Germany war damals noch Qualitätsarbeit davon kann man heute nicht mehr sprechen deutsche Firmen werden von ausländischen Firmen aufgekauft der Mittelstand nicht zuletzt durch die völlig verfehlten corona-maßnahmen liegt mehr und mehr am Boden! Es ist schwer im Moment auf Deutschland stolz zu sein bei der Politik die er betrieben wird
German authorities often go to other european countries to inform themselves about new developments for housing, traffic and environment. That way we took over a lot of things like bike infrastructure, city development and so on. I have the feeling the US cannot imagine that others can do something better than they do.
Yes that is often the case. "The best country in the world!" Those that believe that keep the country from actually making improvements. Not all Americans think like that, of course.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife There is definitely a serious 'revival' of roundabouts on roads in America. Officials must have responded to the data on accidents or the lack thereof.
as both a german and american who's lived/lives in both countries i can tell you with 100% certainty that america thinks it's the ONLY country in the world and that no one could possibly do anything better - think healthcare - than them which is precisely why america's arrogance has it way at the bottom of all things good and at the top of most all things bad lists!
I'm dating an American for a while now. We met during my year abroad and I just spend the whole summer in the states again. But watching your videos really made me realise that I definitely want my future kids (I'm still in my early twenties) to be raised in Germany. You're just very much right about the insane amount of sugar, the lack of exercise (we take walks with the dogs but today we drove a 30seconds ride to go to the store) and many more things like the better school system. Thank you!
I find many flaws with both the American and German public school systems! They both need improvements. It's not the schools but what you get out of it inside and outside. I went to the LAUSD, which is not great, and I have degrees from Michigan State University and UC Berkeley! Education goes beyond the system, the school and the classroom! As an adult, I love my sweats!! I don't worry about sweats!! Nothing wrong with sugars in moderation!!
Yes....everything you listed is what we are missing so much. It is basically the reason why we are moving back from the US to Germany. I am glad that you are enjoying this lifestyle also. We just love outdoors. Thank you for another great video and because of you guys I learned to love my country even more.
I really appreciate your videos about your life in Germany. Many germans (me too, especially my generation of “baby boomers”) suffer sometimes from a kind of self criticism influenza, and that’s actually sad. When you talk about healthy food I had to grin because of a special experience of mine. I live in a part of Berlin where at least 50 per cent of the people are vegans or vegetarians. In the streets around me there are five bio supermarkets and a huge amount of people who are health coaches. So I catched myself some time ago buying a junk food cheeseburger in another neighbor-hood, so that no one could see me….😎
No need to feel bad about the cheeseburger. A nutritional expert once said to me that 80 % of your nutrition should be good and healthy. If that's the case it doesn't do any harm to eat some junk food from time to time. To me that sounds like something I can stick too for a long time without developing a craving for the "forbidden" foods.
It's always refreshing and great to see your videos! Especially with the perspective you have and your enthusiasm for Europe and your emigration! Thank you for your effort!🥰
Awe I'm glad you can see that. We are each others' best friend! Of course we have our normal disagreements and problems, but we continue to be best friends.
Hey guys! It's always fascinating how much one's point of view depends on the perspective. There are so many complaints in Germany on how much sugar is in everything and that kids don't get enough activity outside, etc. But then we hear your comparison to what you were used to in the US and then it seems it's just what we call "Jammern auf hohem Niveau" (in english that would be "complaining about first world problems")... 😀 And good luck to you, Sara, with your driving studies. 😊
Ein wirklich blöder Kommentar denn die Deutschen werden steuerlich komplett ausgenommen natürlich jammern sie und inzwischen sind ja 80% mit der Regierung nicht mehr einverstanden hier wird sehr wenig für die Bevölkerung getan! Das ist in republikanischen Staaten in the United States komplett anders und die Leute helfen auch wesentlich besser zusammen aber das wird sich jetzt im Winter ändern wenn kein Gas kommt und die deutschen zusammengepfercht werden in Wärmestuben umgebaute Turnhallen dann wird der letzte deutsche merken was mit ihm hier geschieht und wie zu 100% verfehlt diese Politik ist das hat man ja bereits bei der völlig verfehlten corona-maßnahme gesehen Ausrufezeichen Deutschland ist auf dem Weg you will not on anything in you will be happy grüß Gott neue Weltordnung und der deutsche Michel kapiert das weitgehend immer noch nicht also muss er im Winter frieren bis er endlich aufwacht vielleicht macht das sein Kopf frei sehr sehr dumme Aussage Jammern auf hohem Niveau
@@Kram1032 und dann schaut man sich mal an wie die Leute auf dem Behörden behandelt werden und wie Hartz IV Leute ausgenommen werden mein Mann sagt immer ich soll mal ein Buch drüber schreiben auch was ich mit zugezogenen hier erlebe also ich meine jetzt nicht Amerikaner oder wir haben in Düsseldorf auch eine große japanische Gemeinschaft diese zugezogenen integrieren sich wunderbar mein Buch ist schon auf dem Weg ich habe bereits einen Verlag gefunden und meine Freunde wollen das Buch unbedingt lesen und wir werden kleine bucklets erstellen die wir dann alle Briefkästen stecken was hier wirklich los ist in Deutschland auf dem Behörden wird man ziemlich scheußlich behandelt und das ist so gewollt!
When my son started school here in the USA I thought, oh good he gets lunch in school. Makes it easier for me as a single mom. On paper the school menu looked good but when I actually saw what they got I understood why he didn't like it 🤣
If I lived in the Ruhr area or Berlin, you wouldn't need a driver's license. But on the country side you need a license. Or you have internet and have everything delivered to you.
@@jensschroder8214 Even that doesn't work. Visit a doctor or a specialist for certain deseases doesn't work on the country side. If you want to join concerts, go t a theatre, cinema,... there's no way. Example cinema: I grew up in a village with a population of 600, we were lucky with an hourly bus lane from 7 am to 7 pm, because the village was in the middle between to "cities" (about 8000 population) without cinema. So it was a journey of 1 hour to a city with several cinemas, bus ticket costs twice of the ticket fpr the cinema and my brother had to catch me up and drive 30 Km back, because no bus at 10 pm. There's a lot of stuff, you can't get be internet or delivery.
My dad never had a licence either, and my mom sold her Käfer in the 70s and hasn't used a car since, so I grew up without one. Oftentimes I find the excuses why many people think they need a car really absurd... (Not judging on anyone reading this, only the people I know). I do have a license and occasionally need to drive for work, although I try to avoid it as much as possible.
@@viomouse It very much depends on what you want to do and where you live. As mentioned above, living in the country side won't work well without a car. You can, but lots of things are very difficult and time consuming to achieve. The other thing is hobbies. I have several of them which wouldn't be possible or extremly difficult to do without a car.
Nice video ! Noticed also that your kids learned how to handle a knife and fork while eating. 🍴So many American expats use only a fork eating like a caveman 🤣
Well after one year in Germany your are still not germanized? I mean, you still don't complain about the stuff Germans usually do lol? I love, love, love your positive attitude.
Hahahaha! You guys are funny. Well, we did talk about how hard it was to integrate our kids into German schools last fall. But honestly, we have to be very careful about complaining since we aren't German. We are still so new here, we don't know all of the reasons why things are done the way they are here. We barely know anything about the politics here either. So to use our platform to complain about things we don't really know about isn't responsible. But we can complain about the US because we fully know how things operate there and understand the mindset and psyche.
Well, I do it the other way around. As a German from Cologne I travel to the US for vacation. Your nature over there is so compelling every time. In Sept. I'll be in UT, AZ, NV and CO. And of course: Alternative use of soft and stiff towels is the sh*it😉👍 All the best for your time in Germany.
germany dont do landfills anymore, the "restmüll" goes to "müllheizkraftwerke" power plants where the waste is burned for power the turbines. so some of your waste comes back as electrical power.
You are so inspiring and likeable. It's so great how open you are to new things and how you always look at the positive. Now I also have a great desire to move abroad.🙃
I am not really surprised that your children are keeping up in hiking and even being among those with a faster pace. That's one of the benefits of being into sports/athletics, it makes it easier to motivate yourself to be near the top, especially with friends around. As for the recycling: I imagined someone talking about their recycling and then hit with a question like: "Recycling? Are you from California or something?". Still impressed with the "Forelle" though.
I can only repeat it: I am so impressed because you managed to really become a part of the community, even though it was so foreign. That's what we should all do. If we decide to become part of a community, live it or leave it. because you chose it..and u and ur children can live a happy life..
Most white US Americans have German ancestry, they influenced English language with vocabulary, grammar and mannerisms, so don't worry, it's not really foreign.
nicht nur kein Trockner nötig sondern auch keine Mrikowelle etc. Ein bißchen weniger verschwenderisch leben, ist wohl ein Unterschied zu den USA. Aber ihr habt Glück und lebt jetzt hier ;-) haha. Ihr seid eine tolle Familie
I have a dryer but i barely use it.. I use it more in winter, because i love the feeling of the warm clothes on my skin. in summer, hanging clothes outside is a must. I have a "Kondenstrockner" it doesnt require a pipe going outside. all the lint is collected in a filter and the water is collected in a bucket which you can use to iron your clothes.
If you wanna know more about German history, I would recommend reading about Willy Brandt. He had a huge influence in why Germany is how it is now. Wiki has a big article about Willy Brandt. Now I am waiting for the movie. He's life had everything and as a teaser I can tell you he got Nobel's peace price.
There is one thing that I don't get really. At 9:40min you said that you did not have the money to travel the US. This is not a rare statement amongst US citizens but I don't get it. In the US you typically work longer hours, you earn more and pay lower taxes. Housing except from some unique places (like Manhattan or downtown SF) is generally cheaper. Energy is a lot cheaper. So how is it possible that so many Americans claim that they can't afford to travel? I worked in Canada (I agree it is USA-light ;-) and the USA and it was still no problem for me to travel around. I think it is the attitude or a cultural thing but IMO not having enough money is just a lame excuse. Sure there are (basically) no trains in the US, but flying is as cheap as it is in Europe. I totally get it that with 4 kids it's difficult, but I know these statements from all kinds of people if they have kids or not.
Well here in Europe, we are able to drive or take trains to travel to most of where we want to go, with the the exception of Scandanavia, Greece, etc. So that's a LOT cheaper than flying. In the US, I flew many times for business and it wasn't cheap at all. It was $500-$600 or more each time I flew, and we didn't have the money to pay for 6 of us to fly, PLUS the costs of the vacation. That would make a vacation for us $8,000 or so. So yeah, we have lower taxes and higher pay, BUT the cost of living in the US is really quite more. Food is much cheaper here in Germany, for instance, and the cost of admission tickets to many children's activities is much cheaper here. We talk about this in one of our latest videos. The taxes here in Germany really aren't more since it includes healthcare. It truly was cost holding us back in the USA and not enough vacation time. Here's the video - ruclips.net/video/NCIbqtUIbag/видео.html
i think also maybe as tought experiment, people love suger and suger makes addicting, hence i think as background tought, they add suger to products to make people addicted to their product to further their sales because $ money. and it tastes good but it is only suger in some form.
I know the US and I highly doubt that you could have done the same while staying in the US. Just think about how children are raised in Germany compared to the US, in addition you would have to break the law in every US state to raise children the European style in the US (if you want to know more, google until which age you have to supervise your children, its a nightmare/plain stupidity) or how car centric US towns/cities are which make walkability and driving around on a bike impossible/suicidal if you want to live in any urban area. And then comes the food. Food in the US is simply garbage, you would have needed to grow your own food to have EU level of food quality. GL with that one if you a) dont have a farm b) the knowledge to manage a farm and c) the farm is not in such a climate where you can grow everything from grain to citrus fruits. I will stop here because Iam sure that when you sit down and think about it and compare, you would see how many of these things which are natural in Germany or Europe in general it would require a lot of work and effort to come even close while staying in the US and not being really, really loaded. If even possible. This all is only possible by a lot of rules and regulations in Germany and the EU in general and neither the Republicans nor the Democrats would support such a system. Its not capitalist friendly enough, plain and simple. How the current day US looks like is neither an accident or by chance, its by design! PS And one more thing, when where you ever afraid of gun violence in Germany or that your children wont come back alive from school? Regarding that you have four of them and the trend in the US when it comes to school shotings knows only one direction, up! No, neither Germany or Europe in general are perfect however when it comes to quality of life for regular citizens it beats the rest of the world by 1609.34m!
17:30 min I recommend you to watch the DVD-report "we feed the world- food global". Whatever you eat In the US (in the Middle West they plant corn in HUGE amounts, so it is cheap for the food-industry and they use it as extenders and satiety)- hidden in the most products you eat corn! Big trusts like Monsanto (genetic grain, fertilizer) are so interwoven with the Ministry of Agriculture in Washington and have an incredible might that they can do with the farmers whatever they want. But the report is also about the incedible waste of bread in big European cities (like Vienna) every day and other global food-problems. Frightening, but worth seeing.
And when you‘re new to a place, everything feels sometimes like you‘re on a vacation, even if it‘s just for a few hours. Last week I had to drive from a town on one side of the Rhine to a town on the other side of the Rhine. Both towns are about several kilometers apart from the Rhine. I could have used the Autobahn and the route I already knew, but my navigation system suggested a route using a ferry over the Rhine river. And it almost felt like vacation, because for a few minutes you get out of the car watching the river flow and the nice little town while you‘re on the ferry. It really slowed my journey down just for a few minutes. And on the other side I was driving alongside of the river through the imho most beautiful part of the Rhine valley. This route took me probably a few minutes longer than the route using the Autobahn, but since I never was there before and had a nice ride on the ferry it felt like I‘m on vacation for even if I was „working“. So getting to a new unknown place even for just a few hours can help relax from the speed you normally live and helps you to keep calm. 🙂 I personally have a dryer because we are just having a room in the basement to hang our clothes and it‘s not guaranteed that it isn‘t occupied by some of my 9 neighbors in the house where I‘m living. But I have a so called „Kondenstrockner“ which don‘t need a pipe to the outside. It collects the water in a tank and the dust in a filter. To go outside was something our parents indoctrinated into their kids already. They always said go out and play instead of stay at home in your room. And I remember that we hadn’t had that much toys as kids today. So it was natural for us to go on the playground with our marbles and play. Or we were just exploring the forest and the little creeks. In winter we got our sleds out of the basement and we climb up the next hill to take a sleigh ride down the hill. And the so called „Sonntagsspaziergang“ was also part of that „indoctrination“. Every Sunday we had to go on a walk with our parents, if we liked it or not. But all of that helped that when I was old enough I could ride my bike on the street right to my grandparents home and go visit them all by my self. And my grandma made the best „Quarkstrudel“ ever. 🙂
Ja, der obligatorische Sonntagsspaziergang war bei uns auch Standard. 🚶♂️🚶♀️ Als Kind war ich meistens nicht so begeistert, aber die letzten Jahrzehnte liebe ich es spazieren zu gehen. 🙂 Und meine Oma hat auch den leckersten Kuchen gebacken, am liebsten mochte ich den Erdbeersahnekuchen. 🍓🍰 😋 Gruß aus Rheinland-Pfalz. 🙂
Ich mag eure Videos sehr. Ich lerne so viel über mein Land. Und alle, die immer nur meckern, sollten sie schauen und würden dann erkennen, dass es hier auch gute Dinge gibt. Weiter so!
Good Luck with the driving exam. Please make a video about the difference between US and German driving education/training. :) Those are always interesting and entertaining.
When I was a kid, in the sixties, we had to go to the volkslauf with our father. It was a locally organized event, where you would run 5 km together, the kids and elderly walked. And then we went to watch our father do his Sportabzeichen, something most adults engaged in to keep physically fit. It was organized by the German athletic association, I think.
You made me remembering the old days with the Trimmdichpfade in the woods and sundays with my siblings and parents there and the campagne Die-Milch-machts.
What may not be fully understood in the US is that environmental protection can be a significant economic driver. It makes sense to keep values in a cycle for as long as possible. Always top to bottom to top. This applies to money, which stored in a hedge fund only makes people poorer, at the end even the rich. That also applies to goods. A glass is no longer of any use in a landfill. The money for it is lost. But if you make it and then recycle it, you keep the money flowing. Someone earns it, can spend it, another earns, etc. Many people only see the 25ct deposit and think that's expensive, although they get it back. But they don't see the opportunities, that machines had to be manufactured for the recycling system, which gave companies orders and people jobs. Way more than you need for a landfill or incinerator.
"Came to open our minds and understand how things are different". This to me is the most important point of seeing the world outside of the US. Great vid as always!
Concerning your comment about Canada being “the 51st state“, I had two Canadian roommates in college, one from Montreal, and one from Alberta. I am from Idaho. All six of us in our apartment agreed that western Canadian and western American cultures are more similar to each other than we are to our own countries eastern cultures. We felt like the border should be changed from east/west, to north/south. Idahoan and Albertan cultures are about as similar to each other as we are to those of Montana and Wyoming. Great video about the changes in your lives from moving to Germany. I have never lived there, but lived in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg for two years, so I understand a lot of what you’re talking about. It’s interesting how the locals may take for granted some of the great things in the area, while visitors and new residents take advantage of them. I’ve seen that work both ways. We do the same here.
Die Antwort auf meinen Kommentar ist doch garantiert nicht von dir, oder? Unter der US-Nummer scheint ein unseriöses Unternehmen zu stecken - mit Bitcoin-Zeichen bei WhatsApp, nicht mit deinem Foto
In the mid-eighties, I lived with my wife in Texas for a few years. She was used to let the laundry dry in the open air. After some time, a neighbor pointed out to us that this is not common in the USA : OTHER MEN COULD SEE MY WIFE'S UNDERWEAR !!!! Regardless of the health benefits, weekends in Germany have an additional effect: this time for family activities gives a father the opportunity for a better connection with his children. As a young father, I loved weekends with the kids. We love to watch your posts on Sundays: thank you for your educational and sympathetic entertainment.
Ihr videos are very interesting I moved here from the United States and have pretty Merch problems with the German metality they are a shamed of the time for this in that in the barrican sand wird also people think about them which I don't know this mentality from the states.... in summ Republican States we Americans are much more free and in the virtuals and there's much more sister Hood if I give a complement to woman than the automatic Deluxe strange a specially in Bavaria but answer used to give in complements when I see something nice around me so I always tell foreigners you have to really Hug to Germans and Smiley lot Adam because they where so much appressions firt World War and we know we political people now all the background why of the happened Germany's politically really a free country it is world by the United States which has to end and it is going to end
It's nice to see Germany through your eyes and be reminded of the little things that just feel normal to me. And get a reminder that I actually should include more exercise in my day and start walking to work instead of taking the tram.
They should introduce a sugar tax in Germany like other countries are already doing. Then the corporations would think twice before throwing so much sugar into their food, and in principle I don't want any sugar in normal foods, but there are sweets for that.
I hope you visit Austria one day: gorgeous country. I moved here in Vienna from South Africa this year. It’s paradise. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life here.
Many old houses have a "washing kitchen" in the first floor or cellar with basins, drains in the floor and such. That often includes a fixed pipe to the outside for dryers. Not hard to add that later either. But having a flexible hose for the exhaust air and just putting it out of a window or door is common too.
I think one of the really nice things in Germany is that we trust in the strength and possibilities of our children 😊 Happy to hear that your kids got stronger now 😊
Thank you for another interesting and fun video! Makes me think about being more "adventurous" as a family ourselves (as a family, it's easy to "do what works best"). About dryers: Many dryers you can buy in Germany have condensers, meaning you don't need a hose or pipe for the hot air get out. Very practical in small apartments!
8:15 Kevin, in Germany (and in most countries of the EU) there are no more household waste landfills at all! The residual waste is incinerated (of course with the highest exhaust gas standards!) to generate electricity and heat. The ash is vitrified and used in road construction.
@@tnit7554 Ich bin kein Experte, das mit dem Verglasen hatte ich mal in einer Doku gehört. Nachdem ich jetzt etwas recherchiert habe, ist die Sache (erwartungsgemäß) etwas komplizierter. Aber wie es scheint, gibt es zig Regelungen, wie die Asche als Ersatzstoff sicher und umweltverträglich eingesetzt werden kann. Siehe z. B. Wikipedia: "Hausmüllverbrennungsasche"
We were in Sweden for the first time a few weeks ago. Indeed some signs made me think of Kevin, because there are actually some similar words and German sometimes helped to understand. 😂 Thank you for your videos that always sweeten the week.
That's interesting about how only certain US states have reciprocity with Germany for getting a license. I didn't know that. I'm surprised that Germany honors a license from any state because the driver license process is a joke in the US compared to Germany. I took the written exam in Germany back in 1991 and passed it, much to the surprise of the test administrator. It is a tough test, and you have to study pretty hard to be able to pass it. Back then, the license was a paper one with no expiration date, so mine is still valid after more than 30 years.
Der Graue Lappen, haha. Denn hatte ich auch bis vor 6 Monaten. Denn der graue wird tatsächlich ungültig- bald. Du musst auf den Plastik Führerschein umstellen - sonst zahlst du bald Bußgeld in ner Kontrolle 👍🙋♂️
Guys, You are so lovely! When I first saw your videos one year ago I thought 'that is a nice familiy'. I enjoyed and appreciated your enthusiasm and your excitement about all the beautyful small and big things that you found in your new environment and of course your willingness and your ability to share your perspective and your experiences with us. At the same time I thought: Sure they will sober up a bit when they have been here for a while. But what can I say? Still after one full year there's no sign of recovery. So glad to see that you somehow have managed to extend your honeymoon with Germany for an indefinite period. 😊
Hahaha yeah but since we aren't German, we have to be careful about publicly complaining as a German would. We know enough about RUclips to know we could get a bunch of nasty comments and it can really do a number on my mental health. And since we aren't German, we don't fully understand why things are the way they are here - we need to live here long to know that. Here's one thing - I wish our little village was more safe for cyclists and walkers. The sidewalks are too small and it's hard to ride your bicycle through town.
I feel like all the youtubers who came from america (at least the ones I watch ;) ) still really like and appreciate germany even after up to 10 years afaik.
Funny that you say that everything is closer together in Europe. That may be true because Europe has more diverse landscapes and diverse cultures close to one another, but Europe is actually bigger the US, contrary to the perception of many Americans. Not much bigger, just a little. So travelling distance is about the same. But living in Germany, you have a lot of cool places relatively close by. And on the topic is hard vs soft towels, I hate soft fluffy towels. They don't absorb moisture at all. When you dry yourself, you're still left with a thin layer of water on your skin. They just move the water around. Hard towels feel good and actually absorb the water.
on the one hand i am happy to hear that we as germans are much more eco-friendly than americans. but on the other hand it makes me so worried and kinda angry to know that we're trying over here, while such a big part of the world is paying almost no attention to being eco-friendly 🥲
Congratulations on no dryer! We no-dryer folks save all kinds of resources, from the production of the dryer itself to its energy use and repairs. For the winter months: Do you have an attic, cellar or an empty garage space? Span drying lines there. Things dry there relatively quickly, even in bad weather. // Kevin, go to a bio-market (store, supermarket or open-air) and look for your salsa. You might have a better chance there. // To Canada: They are more polite and have to learn French in school. Otherwise to the difference from US-Americans: Some wise guy wrote recently that being Canadian must be like living in an apartment above a meth lab. 'Nuff said.
2:24 Imporant thing to note! I think that totally is true and should not be forgotten. But I agree as well with the power of policies, of political regulations and society/culture. I also experienced that a friend of mine that moved from South America here to Germany was exploring local cool places WAY more then I did my entire life, lol. And when I was living a short time in Spain, even though I had to work like I do here, I was excited and tried out so many local culture events even though I can do this here as well.
I'm so happy I found your channel! My partner and I are looking to move from the US to Germany in a couple of years and I've been really getting a lot out of your videos. The more bike-friendly culture and proximity to even more countries to travel to are both huge draws for us. :)
You then should probably consider other areas in Germany, because there are really differences between them and everyone of it has It's own charming charakter. For example the area of Hamburg with the harbour and many nice places to be. And from there it is also only a short way to scandinavia. 😉
Well, thern, as soon as you go into action, willkommen:)- perhaps an Visit over 2 or 3 Weeks would be an good start , because no video or catalöouge or Travel Guide can do,what own Impressions will:). STay Healthy!
@@Caelestan @Alexander Steinmetz Yes!! I'm excited to explore more areas next time I visit. So far I've spent time in München, Köln, Frankfurt, Berlin, Koblenz, and Heidelberg. I would love to check out Hamburg!
@@wwhhiittnneeyy If you do, then message me not to short before, probably we can connect then and i could tell you some places there worth to discover.
Es ist ein großer Unterschied ob Du in einem kleinen Dorf wohnst oder in einer Großstadt wie Berlin. Auch der Norden, Mitte oder Süden Deutschlands unterscheiden sich. Mein Sohn macht auch den Führerschein. Es wirklich schwer Termine zu bekommen, weil es zu wenige Fahrlehrer und Prüfer gibt.
10:00 It's not entirely true that everything is closer together in Europe - that depends on where you want to go. Europe as a whole is slightly larger than the USA (including Alaska...Alaska alone is 18 % of the entire land mass of the USA and still even most US americans tend to forget Alaska all the time). If you want to go to Italy from Bavaria - sure that's close by. If you want to visit the Ural mountains however (this mountain range is the border between Asia and Europe) or go to Finland or something like that it's a different story. It is of course true that you have different cultures packed together more closely.
In terms of Salsa: Since it is based on tomatoes, there has to be a little bit of sugar in it, otherwise it doesn't taste that great (this applies, as a rule of thumb, to nearly every dish with tomatoes in it). Try to make one yourself and you will see, it just starts to taste good at the moment you put a pinch of sugar (or a little squeeze of ketchup) to it. If you are making your own, which is not that hard (a little bit of "Schnippelarbeit", though), you can easily adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, right.
I'm glad that as a Salsa lover I might be of some help and I think, the question was not about a little bit of added sugar to improve the taste, but about ingredients. There are Salsas which I personally call "sugar based" and those who are "tomato based". For example, I just looked up the ingredients of one brand of "Hot Salsa Dip" from a large German discounter and they are "Trinkwasser, Invertzuckersirup, Tomatenmark (14%), Paprika (10%), Branntweinessig, Speisesalz, Stärke, Jalapeño Chilis, Zwiebeln, Gewürz, Tomatenpulver, natürliches Aroma". But there are others, eg. the "Bravo Hot Salsa Dip" sold at the German discounter Penny which has the following ingredients: "Tomaten 50%, Jalapeños 14,4%, Zwiebeln, Tomatenmark 12%, Gemüsepaprika, Wasser, Branntweinessig, Speiesalz, natürliches Aroma, Antioxidationsmittel Ascorbinsäure". One might argue, that tomatos are essentially only sweetened water, but the latter has less sugar per 100 g and to me definitely tastes better. If you can find it, you might give it a try.
Very interesting listening to you talking about feeling stronger now. I did the opposite move and often run into occasions where people assume I can’t lift certain things or where they are surprised that I “walked that far”. Now I wonder if I should make an extra effort to keep up some baseline strength. I definitely move less here in the US.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife It is! I never made a conscious effort of being fit or strong in Germany (or Sweden, where I lived before I moved to the US). Probably should do now!
I love your enthusiasm and joy whenever you talk about your life here in Germany. One could think life here is perfect. 😂 It would be interesting to hear about what is not so good here, what you think was better in the States and what you miss not having or being able to do anymore since moving abroad. And good luck for your driver's license, Sara. Will you have to do the whole course (you know, the normal amount of driving and theory classes)?
So yeah, I have to do the written test, 5 driving lessons, and a CPR course. We have talked about what was hard about moving here in our videos we did on school culture shocks last fall. The thing is, we don't always know WHY things are the way they are here in Germany because we haven't lived here long enough. So we don't want to get on RUclips and criticize things or complain when we aren't properly informed or educated on many things in Germany yet. It's not fair to Germans, and we could end up saying things that aren't accurate or true.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I think that's a pretty thoughtful and respectful attitude towards your new home country, Sara. But instead, how about a video along the lines of, "Hey Germans, explain this and that to us!"
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife It wouldn't need any criticism, I think. Just maybe the quirks and unusual (for you) things that come up in daily life and perhaps resulted in funny situations. One thing that "happened" to me in Florida was related to the fact that stores were open on Sundays, but the busses weren't operating. So I wanted to return a DVD to Blockbuster, took my bike, rode about 40 blocks only to realise that is was Easter Sunday and the stores weren't open at all. 😂
Danke für euer interessantes Video. Ich freue mich, dass ihr hier ein Stück Heimat gefunden habt und euch wohlfühlt. Ich denke, dass man von überall etwas Gutes mitnehmen kann und für sich dazu lernt. Ich wünsche euch noch einen schönen Sonntagabend und eine gute neue Woche. LG 🙋
Hers are a few notes with background info: 1. Even if you live in Colorado or whereever with mountains, parks, etc., it s still not the same as in Germany regarding hiking, outdoor activity, etc. The right of every citizen to enjoy nature and participate in nature is legaly manifested by law. So e.g most of the forests, are private property. But as a landowner or owner of forests or a hill side you have to grant every citizen the right to be in the forest or the land. Thats what many ppl even in Germany dont know. Its so common to use and enjoy forests that it seems totally normal and nobody actually think about whos land it is and why its allowed to be there. 2. Germany is a nation of social clubs ( Vereine). The social clubs are a backbone of the society. Not forced but voluntarely. Social engagement in any form is a thing, and thats part of the socialization. 3. Germany and Germans are in fact very very tolerant and open minded ppl. Even in the dictatorship they actially were openminded to new ideas of living, selfexpression, were interested in other nations. Just to remind you: in Bavaria, Munich, a state rules by the CSU you have a nudist place in the public park. And nobody, but tourists and heretics, does mind. Yooh should visit a common Sauna, where you are naked, female and male. And nobody cares. 3. You should visit the the trenches of WW1, to learn about the great transformation that Europe has achieved. And to conter every pathetic w*nker that screams for "law andd order", "a strong leader", or that still think in categories as "we and them", "nation pride", "borders", " our culure vs theirs" etc Germany is the most powerfull country in Europe, not because of strenght, but because they care for their society _and_ for others. Thats why they are successfulll.
Sometimes, as you say in winter, I would love to have a dryer, but actually they are expensive and it costs a lot of „Strom“… and yes, fluffy towels are so much nicer… but we can live with it. And yes, Bavarians are very much „outdoorsy“ than most other Germans and the region is definitely made for skiing, hiking etc.
Euer Statement zu Deutschland ist echt beeindruckend, chapeau... :-D Meine Frau und ich haben im November 2019 eine Rundreise durch den Westen der USA gemacht. Im Groben war es Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Palm Springs und zurück nach L.A. 5.000 Kilometer in 14 Tagen. Es war DAS Highlight unseres Lebens. Natürlich haben wir alles , was dazwischen an Nationalparks und alten Westernstädten auch gesehen, ebenfalls Death Valley, Bryce Canyon und so weiter... :-D ES war sehr interessant, als Deutsche, auch die amerikanische Kultur und das Leben in den USA kennen zu lernen. Natürlich gibt es da von Californien zu Utah auch gewaltige Unterschiede. Wir haben diese 14 Tage förmlich eingesogen und haben heute noch die besten Erinnerungen and die Reise unseres Lebens. Alles Gute vom linken Niederrhein aus der Nähe von Düsseldorf... :-D . Your statement about Germany is really impressive, chapeau... :-D In November 2019, my wife and I made a tour of the western United States. Roughly it was Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and back to L.A. 5,000 kilometers in 14 days. It was THE highlight of our life. Of course we also saw everything in between in terms of national parks and old western towns, also Death Valley, Bryce Canyon and so on... :-D It was very interesting, as Germans, to also get to know American culture and life in the USA to learn. Of course there are huge differences between California and Utah. We literally soaked up those 14 days and still have the best memories of the journey of our lives. All the best from the left Lower Rhine near Düsseldorf... :-D
Hi Sara Here in DK you are not allowed to sell products under false name. I worked 20 years in a food producing company and made millions of liters and measured thousands times. If you sell it as juice, you are not allowed to add anything in the product. The only thing that's allowed is to adjust the C-vitamin, because it is degrading during the process. I am pretty sure these rules goes in Germany too. If you check your carton, you will see sugar content is around 11%. That sugar isn't added, it is the natural sugar. Many companies would love to sell you juice with lover sugar content. How could they do that? By adding water. In that case, you will buy some very expensive water. But at least here in DK, it is not allowed to call it juice then. I have seen companies calling it Nectar, it's ok, except you pay a hell of a lot for the added water. So buy your juice as usual and add a little water yourself. I guess the Sweet spot for many people is around 9% sugar. Fetch your calculator and give it a try.
Growing up we would go to Thüringen/Thuringia at least twice a year for a hiking vacation. They had a hiking event one year where you could hike for charity. Open to all ages and you could pick from a few different distances. I think they recommend 5km for families with small children. I was 3 years old and my family picked the longest 25km in a day hike and I walked that without complaining and only being picked up very rarely by my dad. I was just such a strong toddler and used to walking through the woods all day long and enjoyed it a lot. Still do just less because I'm disabled now but I still walk a lot.
When you're in an unhealthy environment it's hard to know because you compare yourself to everyone and think you're fine because your doing better than most
@dryers We also do not have a dryer. Our Landlord reserved us some space in the basement for the dryer that we intended to buy when we moved in. But since we have a garden we are quite comfortable putting the laundry on a clothes line outside to dry. Not using dryer has so many advantages: - clothes smell and feel fresher. - Towels actually do what they are meant for: they absorb water when used. - UV-light kills germs - UV-light bleaches the clothes (I admit that is not an advantage for every piece) - less wear on the textile fiber - saves a ton of money from the purchase not made and even more over the years in energy bills. - it is much more sustainable. - Hanging out the laundry keeps the children away from the mobile (that is if you manage to motivate them to do it. Otherwise it at least keeps you yourself away from the phone)
Haha, fully germanized kids. Self-sufficient, confident, lots of muscle motor skills, active, loads of sports, but not necessarily under adult supervision. Nice. I knew it would happen. That Kevin carries Ella on his shoulders is a privilege younger kids have. I suggest you do it as long as she's small enough to carry. The time will come, quickly, when she outgrows that possibility. At first she might want to be carried on your shoulders but you simply can't carry her any long distances anymore, and soon enough she won't WANT to be carried anymore. Those are such short years. Love hamsters. Throughout my childhood I had two, total. My brother had a chipmunk, and all of us kids together had a white mouse that had gotten into a fight with a hamster and had its tail nipped off at the base. That mouse was astonishing. When we got it it was already three years old. She lived with us another three and a half years. We were totally astonished at her final age.
All of the dryers I've seen in Germany have a condenser, so they don't even need an exhaust vent to the outside like the ones in the US. You just empty the little drawer of condensed water into the sink after each load. This method of removing the water takes longer (2-3 hours instead of 30-45 minutes), but it uses less electricity. It actually just plugs in to a normal outlet, just like the washer. So next winter, if you do decide to get a dryer, you should still be able to hook it up with no outside venting and no special dryer outlet required.
I see Kevin is still in the honeymoon phase when it comes to recycling. Here is some research done by German public broadcasting institution WDR regarding the topic, that may burst your bubble. I don't know if your level of English is good enough, yet, but if so it's gonna be some eye-opening 20 minutes: ruclips.net/video/umAUm5eF5wc/видео.html Synopsis: Plastic practically doesn't get recycled because it's too unhygienic for packaging foods (which is a major contributor to plastic waste) and also it's too expensive to be economically viable. Only 5% of plastic actually gets recycled. Highly subsidized of course, because as I said it's not economical to do so. If you see numbers as high as 45%, those are fudged to include downcycling, which of course is not sustainable at all (and also has to be subsidized because even that is uneconomical). We mostly just ship our waste somewhere else to get rid of it.
German dryers (condenser dryers) work totally different then American ones (hot air), so do not need to be vented. Interesting engineering questions on how the two work. I just hang my stuff on a rack and go to the washcenter twice a year to wash and dry my large down comforters and pillows. American long time Berliner now ; - )
Such a nice family. ♥ Did your kiddies fit into German school system yet? Hope you are fine! (Feels like it, if I see your vids.) Könnt ihr inzwischen Deutsch sprechen? Kids are better in German than you.(?)
After seeing this, you might want to try orienteering. During the winter you can change to winter tyres on your bikes. I'll do it. Greetings from Sweden!
Very interesting videos! I so enjoy watching them. Yes, a dryer would be sometimes quite useful (especially in winter and for the nice fluffy towels) but they are quite expensive and they cost electricity. And yes, we try to avoid as much sugar as we can. I think I would gain much weight in the USA because you have to drive a lot more and ev erything is made „comfortable“ for people. And the processed food is much fatter etc. But life in Bavaria is quite „outdoorsy“, skiing, hiking etc. but we live in the Black Forest region and it is the same here….
I totally agree! I knew when I was a kid I didn’t like it. I’d watch them bulldoze an entire forest only to build an ugly shopping center or a cookie cutter neighborhood. I remember as a teenager being really upset as I watch the forest disappear. I knew there had to be a better way!!
Nice Video again. I enjoyed watching you while I also enjoyed a good hand brewed coffee. Time to go outside now for a lovely long dog round. Have a lovely Sunday and thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
Pro tip for softer towels if you do get tired of the stiff ones: use white vinegar in the washer, and air dry the towels (not on a radiator). I also experimented with cutting down the amount of detergent used, Those help a great deal.
I already wrote how amazed I am how great your little daughter can keep up with all your hikes etc. of course daddy has to wear them from time to time, but overall the little one is really no obstacle for outdoor things. what is also an important difference, e.g. to the USA, is that no private natural area such as forests or large meadows or water areas may be closed off to the population. unless, of course, there are important nature or water protection areas. every citizen has the right to walk through any forest and to hike any landscape, whether it belongs to the state or is privately owned. that one does not wantonly destroy or damage the forest or arable land or water surfaces should of course be clear to everyone. that mrs. mcfalls does not yet have a driver's license is completely understandable. it is also something of expensive and what can you do with the money.but being mobile is also very important for parents. I think you have become really good Europeanized. how about visiting our northern neighbors? Denmark, for example, the oldest kingdom in Europe, and as far as Canada is concerned, tzzzz 😂 (O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada,) loud sing 😂
Btw, modern dryers have heatpumps and don't require an exhaust anymore, they condense the humidity directly and have a small hose coming out the back which you can lead directly into a drian or just a bucket to empty afterwards.
Exactly. I just bought a German washer and dryer for our apartment in Canada! And no, Canada is NOT the 51st state! And we’re very thankful for that. Merci beaucoup! 😉
The only time I got to go to Germany was in late 2006,right before October fest.I was flown from Camp TQ,Iraq to Ramstien Air Force hospitol,I was wounded in Iraq.Stayed at the Kyle barracks in Ramstein for 3 1/2 months.I shocked to see little kids at pubs and drinking too.WOW. Germany was beautiful,wish I would've been stationed there.Had a nice time while I was there.
Hi Sara and Kevin, you fulfilled the American Dream of the 20's.....Getting Out.! It is sad to see the country that flew mankind to the moon became what it is now. I'm Dutch, retired, and I started following American politics November 2020 and hoped Trump would loose. He did.......but nobody guessed where we would be after 2 years. It's not funny anymore. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Yes! America has such great potential but the far, extreme right is taking over and is tearing the country apart. It’s really sad to see. The normal people on the right have got to stand up to the far right to get the US to a good place. They don’t realize they could easily be heading towards Fascism.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife You are so wrong with that statement! The far far left is tearing the USA apart, wanting to make it into a communist "utopia"! The far right, which was the NSDAP in Germany, did so much to improve the standard of living of the working man in Germany. No other government, ever, achieved as much in so short a time.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Correction, far right & left is tearing the country apart, the majority is in the middle, and fascism comes from both as well,you obviously watch fake news!
Drying things outside is actually much better in winter because of two reasons: 1. Air is dryer so it dries your cloths much faster. 2. Sun is dimmer so it doesn't destroy paint on textiles by photo-chemical reactions.
Not only that (and the obvious electricity used), but dryers also produce a massive amount of wear and tear in the form of lint, causing you to replace clothing and textiles more often than when just being hung out to dry in the sun.
@@forkless ah yes, during my studies some 10 years ago I actually read several science papers on it, how USA regulates textile industry by regulating washing and drying mashines so they destroy closhes faster. America needed this economic policy because she was conquering a lot of Indonesian, Argentinian and Vietnamese farmland from hands local farmers. Now she finished most of conquest and I hope they will make the law on it normal, healthy and efficent, so the whole country could profit, not just the textile industry.
I grew up in Eastwestfalia, we have a very strong hiking culture here. It's practically the usual Sunday afternoon activity for the whole family. Sundays start with church (though that's quite optional nowadays), Sonntagsbraten, Hiking and has its climax with "Kaffee & Kuchen" in a Cafè near the hiking trail. 🤩 Hiking is highly endorsed in my corner of the world by schools, communities, clubs and social organizations in general. In my school (Gymnasium) there were at least 4 Wandertage (hiking days) per school year and an additional hiking day with the whole school ending with a big barbecue. As you said hiking starts in kindergarden. In 8th Grade we did the Eggefreund hike, that's a hike along the Eggeweg, a 70 km trail through the Eggegebirge, we did it in three parts! In Eastwestfalia hiking is considered a social event, to connect with people and nature, experience belonging and have fun. Even at my work place we rather go hiking when we do a Betriebsausflug. 😁
I'm so glad I just came across your channel. I was born in Germany but have been here in the US since 1956 when I was 7 years old. I lived in a kinderheim so was malnourished and never thought about going back. After seeing this video I now wish I had gone back to find family and live like the Germans do.
Hallo und Grüße nach Bayern. Tolles Video! Ihr seid so sympathisch :-). Coming soon to visit Bayern in a week. Can´t wait to be there and seeing something different. Schönen Sonntag und gut durchlüften, bevor die große Hitze startet :-)
About the drivers licence: I have no doubt you will pass the theory very well despite it being a lot to learn. I would recommend to take a couple of practical lessons as well. Not because I don't think you can drive but because they are very very strict with their practical rules. There are also a bunch of videos on RUclips about practical lessons. They as well might give you an idea about what to expect. And you do seem to have a lot on your plate. I admire how you do all this.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife you might benefit from taking an in person lesson too, just getting into the groove of following the directions and doing some of the test stuff (rapid braking, figuring out oil levels or parallel parking may be tested)
It's kinda cute how this lovely american couple describe Germany and the germans. For me as a german their videos literally kinda flatter me. 😅And I think I can speak for every german when I say, people like you are very welcome here in Germany! People like you definitely make our Society a better one. ❤
Thank you, that’s very nice!
I have to admit when I moved from Florida to Germany I found it really difficult to adjust to how much the Germans (bavarians, in my case) are outside. Even though I was from Florida and we spend soooo much time at the beach I couldn’t get why they spent sooooo much more time outside, hiking things, parks, eating outdoors, exercising etc. but now I absolutely love it!!! Seriously my dream weekend Is hiking near Munich(rosenheim) and then a Käse-Wurst-Platte outside at a Hütte. Is that crazy or what! it has become a part of me!! hopefully I will be successfully in passing on my love for the outdoors to my German-American kids! Thanks for this nice video ❤️
Yes! I love those Käse-wurst-Platte too! They are so yummy, especially after a hike!
Spiel doch mal draußen!!! Every German kid hears this a 1000 times!!!😘
Nothing better than a Käse Wurst Platte with good bread after a hike 👍
What a great comment! We also call it "Biergartenkultur" - that means that you got to a nearby "Biergarten" by bike eat and drink and go home by bike afterwards ... And because you go by bike there it is OK if you eat "Schweineibraten mit Knödel", "Käsekrainer mit Kartoffelsalat", "Wurstsalat", "Sauerer Pressack"; "Kalter Braten" or a "Geräuchertes" - because you "burn" all calories when you ride home again :-)
Many cities and "Landkreise" have tips to wich "Biergärten" you can go by bike. Sometimes it is a little journal enclosed in the week end edition of your daily newspaper often called "Biergärten in der Region" ... etc.
@@Humpelstilzchen we are actually living in Malaysia right now and we’re going back to Bavaria to visit in September (first time in 2.5 years!) and I cannot WAIT to get my hands on a Käse Wurst Platte. I literally am counting the days!!!
I think you are a gift to us Germans who forget what is beautiful and good in our country. I am really grateful for your view. We are taking everything for granted, we don't know that some things are an achievement, we are complaining about our country, not realizing that all these little things are our culture and that they are simply good. I will think of you with a grateful smile when I am hanging my laundry outside and when I am drying my self with a stiff towel. You are wonderful American Bavarians or Bavarian Americans. Thank you for your channel. Every video is a pleasure to watch.
Thank you so much, Helga. What kind things to say, we do appreciate you taking the time to write them.
Gut gesagt, da schließ ich mich von ganzem Herzen an
Honestly, the more I watch about Americans talking about America, the more I am grateful to live here. Especially when it comes to healthcare. I mean I’ve never been ungrateful about it or complained about living here - I always found it safe and good here.
But I’m wayyy more grateful now. XD
When I'm talkiing with friends, with colleagues in my office or with family members, we (Germans) all do have PROBLEMS. But when I'm watching your videos, I always realize how THANKFUL we must be to be Germans. And also to be Bavarian, where you settled down . Thank you for coming " back to basics" by your videos and explenations. Until next time, Klaus Z 😘.
Hi Klaus! You’ve got so much good going on here. But I guess it’s almost important to complain as no country is perfect and can always use improvement!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Hi Sara, my above mentioned comment was written on my mobile phone during my todays bicycle ride.
A short time after sending, I got an answer, which was really suspect for me. The sender was using your profile photo, but it wasn`t from you as channel owner.
Did or do you have a troll on your channel at the moment ?
Yep Germany is really nice, the only problems are the ever complaining Germans who never travelled abroad.
@@KlausZanetti That's pretty common on any video. Scammers use the channel's images to get you to contact them on a messenger and give them money to receive a "Prize" that you will then never receive.
Ja leider lacht inzwischen die ganze Welt über uns wenn man sich ausländische Nachrichten anschaut also ich kann mir türkische russische englische amerikanische Nachrichten anschauen zum Teil spanische die ganze Welt wundert sich weshalb Deutschlands sich wirtschaftlich den eigenen Ast so unglaublich gründlich abschneidet und inzwischen wird auch über das deutsche Schlaf Michel... Einstellung der deutschen dass die sich gar nicht bewegen und für ihre Steuergelder mehr Unterstützung verlangen und eine wesentlich bessere Behandlung auf dem Behörden da damals von England eingeführt made in Germany war damals noch Qualitätsarbeit davon kann man heute nicht mehr sprechen deutsche Firmen werden von ausländischen Firmen aufgekauft der Mittelstand nicht zuletzt durch die völlig verfehlten corona-maßnahmen liegt mehr und mehr am Boden! Es ist schwer im Moment auf Deutschland stolz zu sein bei der Politik die er betrieben wird
German authorities often go to other european countries to inform themselves about new developments for housing, traffic and environment. That way we took over a lot of things like bike infrastructure, city development and so on. I have the feeling the US cannot imagine that others can do something better than they do.
Yes that is often the case. "The best country in the world!" Those that believe that keep the country from actually making improvements. Not all Americans think like that, of course.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife There is definitely a serious 'revival' of roundabouts on roads in America. Officials must have responded to the data on accidents or the lack thereof.
Don't go overboard with that. Most Americans could careless what any country does.
as both a german and american who's lived/lives in both countries i can tell you with 100% certainty that america thinks it's the ONLY country in the world and that no one could possibly do anything better - think healthcare - than them which is precisely why america's arrogance has it way at the bottom of all things good and at the top of most all things bad lists!
@@alfs3 Very well summarized!
You have given me new eyes. We should count our blessings in Europe and not take it all for granted.
I'm dating an American for a while now. We met during my year abroad and I just spend the whole summer in the states again. But watching your videos really made me realise that I definitely want my future kids (I'm still in my early twenties) to be raised in Germany. You're just very much right about the insane amount of sugar, the lack of exercise (we take walks with the dogs but today we drove a 30seconds ride to go to the store) and many more things like the better school system. Thank you!
Not to mention you won’t have to worry about health insurance, retirement or your kids getting shot in school!
I find many flaws with both the American and German public school systems! They both need improvements. It's not the schools but what you get out of it inside and outside. I went to the LAUSD, which is not great, and I have degrees from Michigan State University and UC Berkeley! Education goes beyond the system, the school and the classroom! As an adult, I love my sweats!! I don't worry about sweats!! Nothing wrong with sugars in moderation!!
Yes....everything you listed is what we are missing so much. It is basically the reason why we are moving back from the US to Germany. I am glad that you are enjoying this lifestyle also. We just love outdoors. Thank you for another great video and because of you guys I learned to love my country even more.
I really appreciate your videos about your life in Germany. Many germans (me too, especially my generation of “baby boomers”) suffer sometimes from a kind of self criticism influenza, and that’s actually sad. When you talk about healthy food I had to grin because of a special experience of mine. I live in a part of Berlin where at least 50 per cent of the people are vegans or vegetarians. In the streets around me there are five bio supermarkets and a huge amount of people who are health coaches. So I catched myself some time ago buying a junk food cheeseburger in another neighbor-hood, so that no one could see me….😎
Oh funny! Going to another neighborhood to get a cheese burger. Those health coaches are probably also doing the same! LOL
No need to feel bad about the cheeseburger. A nutritional expert once said to me that 80 % of your nutrition should be good and healthy. If that's the case it doesn't do any harm to eat some junk food from time to time. To me that sounds like something I can stick too for a long time without developing a craving for the "forbidden" foods.
It's always refreshing and great to see your videos! Especially with the perspective you have and your enthusiasm for Europe and your emigration! Thank you for your effort!🥰
Thank you!
The best thing about this video,for sure,you feel the love you have for each other.❤
Awe I'm glad you can see that. We are each others' best friend! Of course we have our normal disagreements and problems, but we continue to be best friends.
Hey guys! It's always fascinating how much one's point of view depends on the perspective. There are so many complaints in Germany on how much sugar is in everything and that kids don't get enough activity outside, etc. But then we hear your comparison to what you were used to in the US and then it seems it's just what we call "Jammern auf hohem Niveau" (in english that would be "complaining about first world problems")... 😀
And good luck to you, Sara, with your driving studies. 😊
Hi Christian! Yeah true, for Germans it’s a lot of sugar and for Americans, it’s a lot less sugar! Perspective is everything.
(more literally: whining at a high level)
although there is a lot of glucose-fructose syrup in German foods too. I always check labels to avoid it
Ein wirklich blöder Kommentar denn die Deutschen werden steuerlich komplett ausgenommen natürlich jammern sie und inzwischen sind ja 80% mit der Regierung nicht mehr einverstanden hier wird sehr wenig für die Bevölkerung getan! Das ist in republikanischen Staaten in the United States komplett anders und die Leute helfen auch wesentlich besser zusammen aber das wird sich jetzt im Winter ändern wenn kein Gas kommt und die deutschen zusammengepfercht werden in Wärmestuben umgebaute Turnhallen dann wird der letzte deutsche merken was mit ihm hier geschieht und wie zu 100% verfehlt diese Politik ist das hat man ja bereits bei der völlig verfehlten corona-maßnahme gesehen Ausrufezeichen Deutschland ist auf dem Weg you will not on anything in you will be happy grüß Gott neue Weltordnung und der deutsche Michel kapiert das weitgehend immer noch nicht also muss er im Winter frieren bis er endlich aufwacht vielleicht macht das sein Kopf frei sehr sehr dumme Aussage Jammern auf hohem Niveau
@@Kram1032 und dann schaut man sich mal an wie die Leute auf dem Behörden behandelt werden und wie Hartz IV Leute ausgenommen werden mein Mann sagt immer ich soll mal ein Buch drüber schreiben auch was ich mit zugezogenen hier erlebe also ich meine jetzt nicht Amerikaner oder wir haben in Düsseldorf auch eine große japanische Gemeinschaft diese zugezogenen integrieren sich wunderbar mein Buch ist schon auf dem Weg ich habe bereits einen Verlag gefunden und meine Freunde wollen das Buch unbedingt lesen und wir werden kleine bucklets erstellen die wir dann alle Briefkästen stecken was hier wirklich los ist in Deutschland auf dem Behörden wird man ziemlich scheußlich behandelt und das ist so gewollt!
When my son started school here in the USA I thought, oh good he gets lunch in school. Makes it easier for me as a single mom. On paper the school menu looked good but when I actually saw what they got I understood why he didn't like it 🤣
Yeah it’s disgusting!!
Anything run by the government is garbage, I was homeschooled.
I am German and have never had a driver's license. I'm over 50 years old and still managed. I find it liberating not to have to worry about a car.
Really?! That’s awesome!
If I lived in the Ruhr area or Berlin, you wouldn't need a driver's license. But on the country side you need a license. Or you have internet and have everything delivered to you.
@@jensschroder8214 Even that doesn't work. Visit a doctor or a specialist for certain deseases doesn't work on the country side. If you want to join concerts, go t a theatre, cinema,... there's no way. Example cinema: I grew up in a village with a population of 600, we were lucky with an hourly bus lane from 7 am to 7 pm, because the village was in the middle between to "cities" (about 8000 population) without cinema. So it was a journey of 1 hour to a city with several cinemas, bus ticket costs twice of the ticket fpr the cinema and my brother had to catch me up and drive 30 Km back, because no bus at 10 pm. There's a lot of stuff, you can't get be internet or delivery.
My dad never had a licence either, and my mom sold her Käfer in the 70s and hasn't used a car since, so I grew up without one. Oftentimes I find the excuses why many people think they need a car really absurd... (Not judging on anyone reading this, only the people I know). I do have a license and occasionally need to drive for work, although I try to avoid it as much as possible.
@@viomouse It very much depends on what you want to do and where you live. As mentioned above, living in the country side won't work well without a car. You can, but lots of things are very difficult and time consuming to achieve. The other thing is hobbies. I have several of them which wouldn't be possible or extremly difficult to do without a car.
Nice video ! Noticed also that your kids learned how to handle a knife and fork while eating. 🍴So many American expats use only a fork eating like a caveman 🤣
Well after one year in Germany your are still not germanized? I mean, you still don't complain about the stuff Germans usually do lol? I love, love, love your positive attitude.
In fact, I'm waiting for such content 😁
Without complaining, no progress! :-)
Hahahaha! You guys are funny. Well, we did talk about how hard it was to integrate our kids into German schools last fall. But honestly, we have to be very careful about complaining since we aren't German. We are still so new here, we don't know all of the reasons why things are done the way they are here. We barely know anything about the politics here either. So to use our platform to complain about things we don't really know about isn't responsible. But we can complain about the US because we fully know how things operate there and understand the mindset and psyche.
Well, I do it the other way around.
As a German from Cologne I travel to the US for vacation. Your nature over there is so compelling every time. In Sept. I'll be in UT, AZ, NV and CO.
And of course: Alternative use of soft and stiff towels is the sh*it😉👍
All the best for your time in Germany.
germany dont do landfills anymore, the "restmüll" goes to "müllheizkraftwerke" power plants where the waste is burned for power the turbines. so some of your waste comes back as electrical power.
Yeah that is so cool!
You are so inspiring and likeable. It's so great how open you are to new things and how you always look at the positive. Now I also have a great desire to move abroad.🙃
I am not really surprised that your children are keeping up in hiking and even being among those with a faster pace. That's one of the benefits of being into sports/athletics, it makes it easier to motivate yourself to be near the top, especially with friends around. As for the recycling: I imagined someone talking about their recycling and then hit with a question like: "Recycling? Are you from California or something?". Still impressed with the "Forelle" though.
I can only repeat it: I am so impressed because you managed to really become a part of the community, even though it was so foreign. That's what we should all do. If we decide to become part of a community, live it or leave it. because you chose it..and u and ur children can live a happy life..
Most white US Americans have German ancestry, they influenced English language with vocabulary, grammar and mannerisms, so don't worry, it's not really foreign.
nicht nur kein Trockner nötig sondern auch keine Mrikowelle etc. Ein bißchen weniger verschwenderisch leben, ist wohl ein Unterschied zu den USA. Aber ihr habt Glück und lebt jetzt hier ;-) haha. Ihr seid eine tolle Familie
I have a dryer but i barely use it.. I use it more in winter, because i love the feeling of the warm clothes on my skin. in summer, hanging clothes outside is a must. I have a "Kondenstrockner" it doesnt require a pipe going outside. all the lint is collected in a filter and the water is collected in a bucket which you can use to iron your clothes.
Love it! It's so different and refreshing here.
If you wanna know more about German history, I would recommend reading about Willy Brandt. He had a huge influence in why Germany is how it is now. Wiki has a big article about Willy Brandt.
Now I am waiting for the movie. He's life had everything and as a teaser I can tell you he got Nobel's peace price.
Thanks for sharing, I’m going to dive into that right now.
There is one thing that I don't get really. At 9:40min you said that you did not have the money to travel the US. This is not a rare statement amongst US citizens but I don't get it. In the US you typically work longer hours, you earn more and pay lower taxes. Housing except from some unique places (like Manhattan or downtown SF) is generally cheaper. Energy is a lot cheaper. So how is it possible that so many Americans claim that they can't afford to travel?
I worked in Canada (I agree it is USA-light ;-) and the USA and it was still no problem for me to travel around. I think it is the attitude or a cultural thing but IMO not having enough money is just a lame excuse. Sure there are (basically) no trains in the US, but flying is as cheap as it is in Europe. I totally get it that with 4 kids it's difficult, but I know these statements from all kinds of people if they have kids or not.
Well here in Europe, we are able to drive or take trains to travel to most of where we want to go, with the the exception of Scandanavia, Greece, etc. So that's a LOT cheaper than flying. In the US, I flew many times for business and it wasn't cheap at all. It was $500-$600 or more each time I flew, and we didn't have the money to pay for 6 of us to fly, PLUS the costs of the vacation. That would make a vacation for us $8,000 or so. So yeah, we have lower taxes and higher pay, BUT the cost of living in the US is really quite more. Food is much cheaper here in Germany, for instance, and the cost of admission tickets to many children's activities is much cheaper here. We talk about this in one of our latest videos. The taxes here in Germany really aren't more since it includes healthcare. It truly was cost holding us back in the USA and not enough vacation time. Here's the video - ruclips.net/video/NCIbqtUIbag/видео.html
i think also maybe as tought experiment, people love suger and suger makes addicting, hence i think as background tought, they add suger to products to make people addicted to their product to further their sales because $ money. and it tastes good but it is only suger in some form.
Yes! I do think that’s part of it.
I know the US and I highly doubt that you could have done the same while staying in the US. Just think about how children are raised in Germany compared to the US, in addition you would have to break the law in every US state to raise children the European style in the US (if you want to know more, google until which age you have to supervise your children, its a nightmare/plain stupidity) or how car centric US towns/cities are which make walkability and driving around on a bike impossible/suicidal if you want to live in any urban area.
And then comes the food. Food in the US is simply garbage, you would have needed to grow your own food to have EU level of food quality. GL with that one if you a) dont have a farm b) the knowledge to manage a farm and c) the farm is not in such a climate where you can grow everything from grain to citrus fruits.
I will stop here because Iam sure that when you sit down and think about it and compare, you would see how many of these things which are natural in Germany or Europe in general it would require a lot of work and effort to come even close while staying in the US and not being really, really loaded. If even possible.
This all is only possible by a lot of rules and regulations in Germany and the EU in general and neither the Republicans nor the Democrats would support such a system. Its not capitalist friendly enough, plain and simple. How the current day US looks like is neither an accident or by chance, its by design!
PS And one more thing, when where you ever afraid of gun violence in Germany or that your children wont come back alive from school? Regarding that you have four of them and the trend in the US when it comes to school shotings knows only one direction, up!
No, neither Germany or Europe in general are perfect however when it comes to quality of life for regular citizens it beats the rest of the world by 1609.34m!
17:30 min I recommend you to watch the DVD-report "we feed the world- food global". Whatever you eat In the US (in the Middle West they plant corn in HUGE amounts, so it is cheap for the food-industry and they use it as extenders and satiety)- hidden in the most products you eat corn! Big trusts like Monsanto (genetic grain, fertilizer) are so interwoven with the Ministry of Agriculture in Washington and have an incredible might that they can do with the farmers whatever they want.
But the report is also about the incedible waste of bread in big European cities (like Vienna) every day and other global food-problems. Frightening, but worth seeing.
And when you‘re new to a place, everything feels sometimes like you‘re on a vacation, even if it‘s just for a few hours. Last week I had to drive from a town on one side of the Rhine to a town on the other side of the Rhine. Both towns are about several kilometers apart from the Rhine. I could have used the Autobahn and the route I already knew, but my navigation system suggested a route using a ferry over the Rhine river. And it almost felt like vacation, because for a few minutes you get out of the car watching the river flow and the nice little town while you‘re on the ferry. It really slowed my journey down just for a few minutes. And on the other side I was driving alongside of the river through the imho most beautiful part of the Rhine valley. This route took me probably a few minutes longer than the route using the Autobahn, but since I never was there before and had a nice ride on the ferry it felt like I‘m on vacation for even if I was „working“. So getting to a new unknown place even for just a few hours can help relax from the speed you normally live and helps you to keep calm. 🙂
I personally have a dryer because we are just having a room in the basement to hang our clothes and it‘s not guaranteed that it isn‘t occupied by some of my 9 neighbors in the house where I‘m living. But I have a so called „Kondenstrockner“ which don‘t need a pipe to the outside. It collects the water in a tank and the dust in a filter.
To go outside was something our parents indoctrinated into their kids already. They always said go out and play instead of stay at home in your room. And I remember that we hadn’t had that much toys as kids today. So it was natural for us to go on the playground with our marbles and play. Or we were just exploring the forest and the little creeks. In winter we got our sleds out of the basement and we climb up the next hill to take a sleigh ride down the hill. And the so called „Sonntagsspaziergang“ was also part of that „indoctrination“. Every Sunday we had to go on a walk with our parents, if we liked it or not. But all of that helped that when I was old enough I could ride my bike on the street right to my grandparents home and go visit them all by my self. And my grandma made the best „Quarkstrudel“ ever. 🙂
That’s a very good point. There is definitely something to changing your location.
Yes, i remember the "sonntagsspaziergang" as well.. " nach dem Essen sollst du ruhen oder tausend schritte tun".. we always choose the 1000 steps..
Ja, der obligatorische Sonntagsspaziergang war bei uns auch Standard. 🚶♂️🚶♀️
Als Kind war ich meistens nicht so begeistert, aber die letzten Jahrzehnte liebe ich es spazieren zu gehen. 🙂
Und meine Oma hat auch den
leckersten Kuchen gebacken, am liebsten mochte ich den Erdbeersahnekuchen.
🍓🍰 😋
Gruß aus Rheinland-Pfalz. 🙂
Ich mag eure Videos sehr. Ich lerne so viel über mein Land. Und alle, die immer nur meckern, sollten sie schauen und würden dann erkennen, dass es hier auch gute Dinge gibt. Weiter so!
Good Luck with the driving exam. Please make a video about the difference between US and German driving education/training. :) Those are always interesting and entertaining.
Yeah for sure! That will be a great video topic.
When I was a kid, in the sixties, we had to go to the volkslauf with our father. It was a locally organized event, where you would run 5 km together, the kids and elderly walked. And then we went to watch our father do his Sportabzeichen, something most adults engaged in to keep physically fit. It was organized by the German athletic association, I think.
You made me remembering the old days with the Trimmdichpfade in the woods and sundays with my siblings and parents there and the campagne Die-Milch-machts.
What may not be fully understood in the US is that environmental protection can be a significant economic driver. It makes sense to keep values in a cycle for as long as possible. Always top to bottom to top. This applies to money, which stored in a hedge fund only makes people poorer, at the end even the rich. That also applies to goods. A glass is no longer of any use in a landfill. The money for it is lost. But if you make it and then recycle it, you keep the money flowing. Someone earns it, can spend it, another earns, etc.
Many people only see the 25ct deposit and think that's expensive, although they get it back. But they don't see the opportunities, that machines had to be manufactured for the recycling system, which gave companies orders and people jobs. Way more than you need for a landfill or incinerator.
"Came to open our minds and understand how things are different". This to me is the most important point of seeing the world outside of the US. Great vid as always!
Yes! So important for so many Americans. It's easy to live in a bubble there and think most of the world is like the US when it isn't at all.
I’m so happy for you guys to benefit from all the possibilities you can have in Germany/Europe 😃
Concerning your comment about Canada being “the 51st state“, I had two Canadian roommates in college, one from Montreal, and one from Alberta. I am from Idaho. All six of us in our apartment agreed that western Canadian and western American cultures are more similar to each other than we are to our own countries eastern cultures. We felt like the border should be changed from east/west, to north/south. Idahoan and Albertan cultures are about as similar to each other as we are to those of Montana and Wyoming.
Great video about the changes in your lives from moving to Germany. I have never lived there, but lived in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg for two years, so I understand a lot of what you’re talking about. It’s interesting how the locals may take for granted some of the great things in the area, while visitors and new residents take advantage of them. I’ve seen that work both ways. We do the same here.
Great report again!
Getting out of one‘s comfort zone makes the change (Komfortzone nenne ich gerne Komm-vor-Zone) 🙋♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️
Die Antwort auf meinen Kommentar ist doch garantiert nicht von dir, oder?
Unter der US-Nummer scheint ein unseriöses Unternehmen zu stecken - mit Bitcoin-Zeichen bei WhatsApp, nicht mit deinem Foto
In the mid-eighties, I lived with my wife in Texas for a few years. She was used to let the laundry dry in the open air. After some time, a neighbor pointed out to us that this is not common in the USA : OTHER MEN COULD SEE MY WIFE'S UNDERWEAR !!!!
Regardless of the health benefits, weekends in Germany have an additional effect: this time for family activities gives a father the opportunity for a better connection with his children.
As a young father, I loved weekends with the kids.
We love to watch your posts on Sundays: thank you for your educational and sympathetic entertainment.
Ihr videos are very interesting I moved here from the United States and have pretty Merch problems with the German metality they are a shamed of the time for this in that in the barrican sand wird also people think about them which I don't know this mentality from the states.... in summ Republican States we Americans are much more free and in the virtuals and there's much more sister Hood if I give a complement to woman than the automatic Deluxe strange a specially in Bavaria but answer used to give in complements when I see something nice around me so I always tell foreigners you have to really Hug to Germans and Smiley lot Adam because they where so much appressions firt World War and we know we political people now all the background why of the happened Germany's politically really a free country it is world by the United States which has to end and it is going to end
@@irisbayer3309 What are you trying to say? Your mother tongue is obviously not English.
It's nice to see Germany through your eyes and be reminded of the little things that just feel normal to me. And get a reminder that I actually should include more exercise in my day and start walking to work instead of taking the tram.
They should introduce a sugar tax in Germany like other countries are already doing. Then the corporations would think twice before throwing so much sugar into their food, and in principle I don't want any sugar in normal foods, but there are sweets for that.
Not a bad idea! It is truly a health risk!
I hope you visit Austria one day: gorgeous country. I moved here in Vienna from South Africa this year. It’s paradise. Can’t wait to spend the rest of my life here.
We have visited it many times as we live quite close to Austria. 😄
Many old houses have a "washing kitchen" in the first floor or cellar with basins, drains in the floor and such. That often includes a fixed pipe to the outside for dryers. Not hard to add that later either. But having a flexible hose for the exhaust air and just putting it out of a window or door is common too.
I think one of the really nice things in Germany is that we trust in the strength and possibilities of our children 😊 Happy to hear that your kids got stronger now 😊
I love that so much!
Thank you for another interesting and fun video! Makes me think about being more "adventurous" as a family ourselves (as a family, it's easy to "do what works best").
About dryers: Many dryers you can buy in Germany have condensers, meaning you don't need a hose or pipe for the hot air get out. Very practical in small apartments!
8:15 Kevin, in Germany (and in most countries of the EU) there are no more household waste landfills at all! The residual waste is incinerated (of course with the highest exhaust gas standards!) to generate electricity and heat. The ash is vitrified and used in road construction.
YES!! This is amazing!! We should do a video just on this. Thanks for bringing it up.
@hape. Die asche ist problematisch. In der schweiz dürfen schlacken und asche von mva's nicht in den strassenbau.
@@tnit7554 Ich bin kein Experte, das mit dem Verglasen hatte ich mal in einer Doku gehört. Nachdem ich jetzt etwas recherchiert habe, ist die Sache (erwartungsgemäß) etwas komplizierter. Aber wie es scheint, gibt es zig Regelungen, wie die Asche als Ersatzstoff sicher und umweltverträglich eingesetzt werden kann. Siehe z. B. Wikipedia: "Hausmüllverbrennungsasche"
We were in Sweden for the first time a few weeks ago. Indeed some signs made me think of Kevin, because there are actually some similar words and German sometimes helped to understand. 😂
Thank you for your videos that always sweeten the week.
That's interesting about how only certain US states have reciprocity with Germany for getting a license. I didn't know that. I'm surprised that Germany honors a license from any state because the driver license process is a joke in the US compared to Germany. I took the written exam in Germany back in 1991 and passed it, much to the surprise of the test administrator. It is a tough test, and you have to study pretty hard to be able to pass it. Back then, the license was a paper one with no expiration date, so mine is still valid after more than 30 years.
Der Graue Lappen, haha.
Denn hatte ich auch bis vor 6 Monaten. Denn der graue wird tatsächlich ungültig- bald.
Du musst auf den Plastik Führerschein umstellen - sonst zahlst du bald Bußgeld in ner Kontrolle 👍🙋♂️
Guys, You are so lovely! When I first saw your videos one year ago I thought 'that is a nice familiy'. I enjoyed and appreciated your enthusiasm and your excitement about all the beautyful small and big things that you found in your new environment and of course your willingness and your ability to share your perspective and your experiences with us. At the same time I thought: Sure they will sober up a bit when they have been here for a while. But what can I say? Still after one full year there's no sign of recovery.
So glad to see that you somehow have managed to extend your honeymoon with Germany for an indefinite period. 😊
Hahaha yeah but since we aren't German, we have to be careful about publicly complaining as a German would. We know enough about RUclips to know we could get a bunch of nasty comments and it can really do a number on my mental health. And since we aren't German, we don't fully understand why things are the way they are here - we need to live here long to know that. Here's one thing - I wish our little village was more safe for cyclists and walkers. The sidewalks are too small and it's hard to ride your bicycle through town.
I feel like all the youtubers who came from america (at least the ones I watch ;) ) still really like and appreciate germany even after up to 10 years afaik.
Funny that you say that everything is closer together in Europe. That may be true because Europe has more diverse landscapes and diverse cultures close to one another, but Europe is actually bigger the US, contrary to the perception of many Americans. Not much bigger, just a little. So travelling distance is about the same. But living in Germany, you have a lot of cool places relatively close by. And on the topic is hard vs soft towels, I hate soft fluffy towels. They don't absorb moisture at all. When you dry yourself, you're still left with a thin layer of water on your skin. They just move the water around. Hard towels feel good and actually absorb the water.
Yeah good point! It’s bigger but within a few hours you could be in a few different countries - something that’s not easy in the US.
on the one hand i am happy to hear that we as germans are much more eco-friendly than americans. but on the other hand it makes me so worried and kinda angry to know that we're trying over here, while such a big part of the world is paying almost no attention to being eco-friendly 🥲
Lol the highest mountain in ireland is 1000m and highest mountain next to dublin is 795m 🤣
Congratulations on no dryer! We no-dryer folks save all kinds of resources, from the production of the dryer itself to its energy use and repairs. For the winter months: Do you have an attic, cellar or an empty garage space? Span drying lines there. Things dry there relatively quickly, even in bad weather. // Kevin, go to a bio-market (store, supermarket or open-air) and look for your salsa. You might have a better chance there. // To Canada: They are more polite and have to learn French in school. Otherwise to the difference from US-Americans: Some wise guy wrote recently that being Canadian must be like living in an apartment above a meth lab. 'Nuff said.
That's a good idea to string lines in our attic! We do have one and I might be able to do that.
Ahahahahaha! Being Canadian is like living in an apartment above a meth lab. That's hysterical!
2:24 Imporant thing to note! I think that totally is true and should not be forgotten. But I agree as well with the power of policies, of political regulations and society/culture.
I also experienced that a friend of mine that moved from South America here to Germany was exploring local cool places WAY more then I did my entire life, lol. And when I was living a short time in Spain, even though I had to work like I do here, I was excited and tried out so many local culture events even though I can do this here as well.
Yeah there ya go! There’s something about moving to a new place that makes you more excited to get out and explore.
I'm so happy I found your channel! My partner and I are looking to move from the US to Germany in a couple of years and I've been really getting a lot out of your videos. The more bike-friendly culture and proximity to even more countries to travel to are both huge draws for us. :)
You then should probably consider other areas in Germany, because there are really differences between them and everyone of it has It's own charming charakter. For example the area of Hamburg with the harbour and many nice places to be. And from there it is also only a short way to scandinavia. 😉
Well, thern, as soon as you go into action, willkommen:)- perhaps an Visit over 2 or 3 Weeks would be an good start , because no video or catalöouge or Travel Guide can do,what own Impressions will:).
STay Healthy!
@@Caelestan @Alexander Steinmetz Yes!! I'm excited to explore more areas next time I visit. So far I've spent time in München, Köln, Frankfurt, Berlin, Koblenz, and Heidelberg. I would love to check out Hamburg!
@@wwhhiittnneeyy If you do, then message me not to short before, probably we can connect then and i could tell you some places there worth to discover.
@@Caelestan Cool!
Es ist ein großer Unterschied ob Du in einem kleinen Dorf wohnst oder in einer Großstadt wie Berlin.
Auch der Norden, Mitte oder Süden Deutschlands unterscheiden sich.
Mein Sohn macht auch den Führerschein. Es wirklich schwer Termine zu bekommen, weil es zu wenige Fahrlehrer und Prüfer gibt.
Seeing Ella dancing along the hiking path was so cute!
😍😍 Kids are so sweet!
10:00 It's not entirely true that everything is closer together in Europe - that depends on where you want to go. Europe as a whole is slightly larger than the USA (including Alaska...Alaska alone is 18 % of the entire land mass of the USA and still even most US americans tend to forget Alaska all the time). If you want to go to Italy from Bavaria - sure that's close by. If you want to visit the Ural mountains however (this mountain range is the border between Asia and Europe) or go to Finland or something like that it's a different story.
It is of course true that you have different cultures packed together more closely.
In terms of Salsa: Since it is based on tomatoes, there has to be a little bit of sugar in it, otherwise it doesn't taste that great (this applies, as a rule of thumb, to nearly every dish with tomatoes in it).
Try to make one yourself and you will see, it just starts to taste good at the moment you put a pinch of sugar (or a little squeeze of ketchup) to it. If you are making your own, which is not that hard (a little bit of "Schnippelarbeit", though), you can easily adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, right.
I'm glad that as a Salsa lover I might be of some help and I think, the question was not about a little bit of added sugar to improve the taste, but about ingredients. There are Salsas which I personally call "sugar based" and those who are "tomato based". For example, I just looked up the ingredients of one brand of "Hot Salsa Dip" from a large German discounter and they are "Trinkwasser, Invertzuckersirup, Tomatenmark (14%), Paprika (10%), Branntweinessig, Speisesalz, Stärke, Jalapeño Chilis, Zwiebeln, Gewürz, Tomatenpulver, natürliches Aroma". But there are others, eg. the "Bravo Hot Salsa Dip" sold at the German discounter Penny which has the following ingredients: "Tomaten 50%, Jalapeños 14,4%, Zwiebeln, Tomatenmark 12%, Gemüsepaprika, Wasser, Branntweinessig, Speiesalz, natürliches Aroma, Antioxidationsmittel Ascorbinsäure". One might argue, that tomatos are essentially only sweetened water, but the latter has less sugar per 100 g and to me definitely tastes better. If you can find it, you might give it a try.
@@michaelg.4982 danke für den Tipp, immer schwer etwas mit wenig Zucker zu finden
Very interesting listening to you talking about feeling stronger now. I did the opposite move and often run into occasions where people assume I can’t lift certain things or where they are surprised that I “walked that far”. Now I wonder if I should make an extra effort to keep up some baseline strength. I definitely move less here in the US.
So interesting to hear about how it is going from Germany to the US! It’s so much easier to be healthy here.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife It is! I never made a conscious effort of being fit or strong in Germany (or Sweden, where I lived before I moved to the US). Probably should do now!
I love your enthusiasm and joy whenever you talk about your life here in Germany. One could think life here is perfect. 😂
It would be interesting to hear about what is not so good here, what you think was better in the States and what you miss not having or being able to do anymore since moving abroad.
And good luck for your driver's license, Sara. Will you have to do the whole course (you know, the normal amount of driving and theory classes)?
So yeah, I have to do the written test, 5 driving lessons, and a CPR course. We have talked about what was hard about moving here in our videos we did on school culture shocks last fall. The thing is, we don't always know WHY things are the way they are here in Germany because we haven't lived here long enough. So we don't want to get on RUclips and criticize things or complain when we aren't properly informed or educated on many things in Germany yet. It's not fair to Germans, and we could end up saying things that aren't accurate or true.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I think that's a pretty thoughtful and respectful attitude towards your new home country, Sara. But instead, how about a video along the lines of, "Hey Germans, explain this and that to us!"
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife It wouldn't need any criticism, I think. Just maybe the quirks and unusual (for you) things that come up in daily life and perhaps resulted in funny situations. One thing that "happened" to me in Florida was related to the fact that stores were open on Sundays, but the busses weren't operating. So I wanted to return a DVD to Blockbuster, took my bike, rode about 40 blocks only to realise that is was Easter Sunday and the stores weren't open at all. 😂
@@stephieo2976 what is a DVD? and what is this "Blockbuster" place you speak off :)
@@uliwehner Something very ancient. You know, from a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. 😁
4:25. The way your daughter eluded a crash by carefully turning on to the grass was beautiful.
Oh true! I didn’t really think about it but you’re right!
Condenser dryers don't need outlets to the outside. They collect the water in a tank which you empty or water your plants. X
I'll definitely see you'll next week Sara, 'till then have a nice week..!
Danke für euer interessantes Video.
Ich freue mich, dass ihr hier ein Stück Heimat gefunden habt und euch wohlfühlt. Ich denke, dass man von überall etwas Gutes mitnehmen kann und für sich dazu lernt.
Ich wünsche euch noch einen schönen Sonntagabend und eine gute neue Woche.
LG 🙋
Hers are a few notes with background info:
1. Even if you live in Colorado or whereever with mountains, parks, etc., it s still not the same as in Germany regarding hiking, outdoor activity, etc.
The right of every citizen to enjoy nature and participate in nature is legaly manifested by law. So e.g most of the forests, are private property. But as a landowner or owner of forests or a hill side you have to grant every citizen the right to be in the forest or the land. Thats what many ppl even in Germany dont know. Its so common to use and enjoy forests that it seems totally normal and nobody actually think about whos land it is and why its allowed to be there.
2. Germany is a nation of social clubs ( Vereine). The social clubs are a backbone of the society. Not forced but voluntarely. Social engagement in any form is a thing, and thats part of the socialization.
3. Germany and Germans are in fact very very tolerant and open minded ppl. Even in the dictatorship they actially were openminded to new ideas of living, selfexpression, were interested in other nations. Just to remind you: in Bavaria, Munich, a state rules by the CSU you have a nudist place in the public park. And nobody, but tourists and heretics, does mind.
Yooh should visit a common Sauna, where you are naked, female and male. And nobody cares.
3. You should visit the the trenches of WW1, to learn about the great transformation that Europe has achieved. And to conter every pathetic w*nker that screams for "law andd order", "a strong leader", or that still think in categories as "we and them", "nation pride", "borders", " our culure vs theirs" etc
Germany is the most powerfull country in Europe, not because of strenght, but because they care for their society _and_ for others. Thats why they are successfulll.
Sometimes, as you say in winter, I would love to have a dryer, but actually they are expensive and it costs a lot of „Strom“… and yes, fluffy towels are so much nicer… but we can live with it. And yes, Bavarians are very much „outdoorsy“ than most other Germans and the region is definitely made for skiing, hiking etc.
Euer Statement zu Deutschland ist echt beeindruckend, chapeau... :-D Meine Frau und ich haben im November 2019 eine Rundreise durch den Westen der USA gemacht. Im Groben war es Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Palm Springs und zurück nach L.A. 5.000 Kilometer in 14 Tagen. Es war DAS Highlight unseres Lebens. Natürlich haben wir alles , was dazwischen an Nationalparks und alten Westernstädten auch gesehen, ebenfalls Death Valley, Bryce Canyon und so weiter... :-D ES war sehr interessant, als Deutsche, auch die amerikanische Kultur und das Leben in den USA kennen zu lernen. Natürlich gibt es da von Californien zu Utah auch gewaltige Unterschiede. Wir haben diese 14 Tage förmlich eingesogen und haben heute noch die besten Erinnerungen and die Reise unseres Lebens. Alles Gute vom linken Niederrhein aus der Nähe von Düsseldorf... :-D
.
Your statement about Germany is really impressive, chapeau... :-D In November 2019, my wife and I made a tour of the western United States. Roughly it was Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Palm Springs and back to L.A. 5,000 kilometers in 14 days. It was THE highlight of our life. Of course we also saw everything in between in terms of national parks and old western towns, also Death Valley, Bryce Canyon and so on... :-D It was very interesting, as Germans, to also get to know American culture and life in the USA to learn. Of course there are huge differences between California and Utah. We literally soaked up those 14 days and still have the best memories of the journey of our lives. All the best from the left Lower Rhine near Düsseldorf... :-D
Hi Sara
Here in DK you are not allowed to sell products under false name. I worked 20 years in a food producing company and made millions of liters and measured thousands times.
If you sell it as juice, you are not allowed to add anything in the product. The only thing that's allowed is to adjust the C-vitamin, because it is degrading during the process. I am pretty sure these rules goes in Germany too.
If you check your carton, you will see sugar content is around 11%. That sugar isn't added, it is the natural sugar.
Many companies would love to sell you juice with lover sugar content. How could they do that? By adding water. In that case, you will buy some very expensive water. But at least here in DK, it is not allowed to call it juice then. I have seen companies calling it Nectar, it's ok, except you pay a hell of a lot for the added water.
So buy your juice as usual and add a little water yourself. I guess the Sweet spot for many people is around 9% sugar. Fetch your calculator and give it a try.
Same in Germany, the EU rules are all the same in the Eu countries.
@@betaich I wasn't sure if it was implemented in the EU, because this has been in effect here in DK, even before the EU existed.
What a great explanation - makes sense why you'd make your own schorle!
Growing up we would go to Thüringen/Thuringia at least twice a year for a hiking vacation. They had a hiking event one year where you could hike for charity. Open to all ages and you could pick from a few different distances. I think they recommend 5km for families with small children. I was 3 years old and my family picked the longest 25km in a day hike and I walked that without complaining and only being picked up very rarely by my dad.
I was just such a strong toddler and used to walking through the woods all day long and enjoyed it a lot.
Still do just less because I'm disabled now but I still walk a lot.
Wowzahs! 25 km at 3 years old?! You really were strong!
When you're in an unhealthy environment it's hard to know because you compare yourself to everyone and think you're fine because your doing better than most
That’s really true!
@dryers
We also do not have a dryer. Our Landlord reserved us some space in the basement for the dryer that we intended to buy when we moved in. But since we have a garden we are quite comfortable putting the laundry on a clothes line outside to dry. Not using dryer has so many advantages:
- clothes smell and feel fresher.
- Towels actually do what they are meant for: they absorb water when used.
- UV-light kills germs
- UV-light bleaches the clothes (I admit that is not an advantage for every piece)
- less wear on the textile fiber
- saves a ton of money from the purchase not made and even more over the years in energy bills.
- it is much more sustainable.
- Hanging out the laundry keeps the children away from the mobile (that is if you manage to motivate them to do it. Otherwise it at least keeps you yourself away from the phone)
Haha, fully germanized kids. Self-sufficient, confident, lots of muscle motor skills, active, loads of sports, but not necessarily under adult supervision.
Nice. I knew it would happen.
That Kevin carries Ella on his shoulders is a privilege younger kids have. I suggest you do it as long as she's small enough to carry. The time will come, quickly, when she outgrows that possibility. At first she might want to be carried on your shoulders but you simply can't carry her any long distances anymore, and soon enough she won't WANT to be carried anymore.
Those are such short years.
Love hamsters. Throughout my childhood I had two, total. My brother had a chipmunk, and all of us kids together had a white mouse that had gotten into a fight with a hamster and had its tail nipped off at the base. That mouse was astonishing. When we got it it was already three years old. She lived with us another three and a half years. We were totally astonished at her final age.
"Mexican" supermarket food is a disgrace in Germany, so I'd recommend Kevin learns how to make homemade salsa 😉 🇲🇽 😎
All of the dryers I've seen in Germany have a condenser, so they don't even need an exhaust vent to the outside like the ones in the US. You just empty the little drawer of condensed water into the sink after each load. This method of removing the water takes longer (2-3 hours instead of 30-45 minutes), but it uses less electricity. It actually just plugs in to a normal outlet, just like the washer. So next winter, if you do decide to get a dryer, you should still be able to hook it up with no outside venting and no special dryer outlet required.
I see Kevin is still in the honeymoon phase when it comes to recycling. Here is some research done by German public broadcasting institution WDR regarding the topic, that may burst your bubble. I don't know if your level of English is good enough, yet, but if so it's gonna be some eye-opening 20 minutes: ruclips.net/video/umAUm5eF5wc/видео.html
Synopsis:
Plastic practically doesn't get recycled because it's too unhygienic for packaging foods (which is a major contributor to plastic waste) and also it's too expensive to be economically viable. Only 5% of plastic actually gets recycled. Highly subsidized of course, because as I said it's not economical to do so. If you see numbers as high as 45%, those are fudged to include downcycling, which of course is not sustainable at all (and also has to be subsidized because even that is uneconomical). We mostly just ship our waste somewhere else to get rid of it.
German dryers (condenser dryers) work totally different then American ones (hot air), so do not need to be vented. Interesting engineering questions on how the two work. I just hang my stuff on a rack and go to the washcenter twice a year to wash and dry my large down comforters and pillows. American long time Berliner now ; - )
Such a nice family. ♥ Did your kiddies fit into German school system yet? Hope you are fine! (Feels like it, if I see your vids.) Könnt ihr inzwischen Deutsch sprechen? Kids are better in German than you.(?)
That's so kind of you to ask! Yes they have adjusted very well now. A year and a few months makes a big difference!
After seeing this, you might want to try orienteering. During the winter you can change to winter tyres on your bikes. I'll do it. Greetings from Sweden!
Very interesting videos! I so enjoy watching them. Yes, a dryer would be sometimes quite useful (especially in winter and for the nice fluffy towels) but they are quite expensive and they cost electricity. And yes, we try to avoid as much sugar as we can. I think I would gain much weight in the USA because you have to drive a lot more and ev erything is made „comfortable“ for people. And the processed food is much fatter etc. But life in Bavaria is quite „outdoorsy“, skiing, hiking etc. but we live in the Black Forest region and it is the same here….
North American urban sprawl is such a scourge. Walkable, cyclable communities is where it's at.
I totally agree! I knew when I was a kid I didn’t like it. I’d watch them bulldoze an entire forest only to build an ugly shopping center or a cookie cutter neighborhood. I remember as a teenager being really upset as I watch the forest disappear. I knew there had to be a better way!!
Nice Video again. I enjoyed watching you while I also enjoyed a good hand brewed coffee. Time to go outside now for a lovely long dog round. Have a lovely Sunday and thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
👋 Hallo Hildegard! A Schönnen Sonntag to you!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Vielen herzlichen Dank. :-)
I can't wait to see you in 2 or 3 years - your German will be very good because your children will push you.
Yes!! Last night we had a Grillfest with our neighbors and they all told us how much our German has improved. Yayayay!!
Pro tip for softer towels if you do get tired of the stiff ones: use white vinegar in the washer, and air dry the towels (not on a radiator). I also experimented with cutting down the amount of detergent used, Those help a great deal.
it's refreshing to see how happy you both are now vs before moving to germany!
I already wrote how amazed I am how great your little daughter can keep up with all your hikes etc. of course daddy has to wear them from time to time, but overall the little one is really no obstacle for outdoor things. what is also an important difference, e.g. to the USA, is that no private natural area such as forests or large meadows or water areas may be closed off to the population. unless, of course, there are important nature or water protection areas. every citizen has the right to walk through any forest and to hike any landscape, whether it belongs to the state or is privately owned. that one does not wantonly destroy or damage the forest or arable land or water surfaces should of course be clear to everyone. that mrs. mcfalls does not yet have a driver's license is completely understandable. it is also something of expensive and what can you do with the money.but being mobile is also very important for parents. I think you have become really good Europeanized. how about visiting our northern neighbors? Denmark, for example, the oldest kingdom in Europe, and as far as Canada is concerned, tzzzz 😂 (O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,) loud sing 😂
I think another important point that has come into your life after moving: you have become a successful youtuber!
Oh true! We didn’t think about that. 😄
Btw, modern dryers have heatpumps and don't require an exhaust anymore, they condense the humidity directly and have a small hose coming out the back which you can lead directly into a drian or just a bucket to empty afterwards.
Okay good to know! We were just talking to a friend about getting a heat pump dryer.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Also conventional (non heat-pump) dryers mostly use condensation, exhaust dryers are rare beasts here.
ruclips.net/video/_-nW3wUcn08/видео.html
Exactly. I just bought a German washer and dryer for our apartment in Canada! And no, Canada is NOT the 51st state! And we’re very thankful for that. Merci beaucoup! 😉
After you will get the german driver's licence you could compare getting a driver's licence in US and Germany. 😂😂😂
Yeah that’ll make for a great video!
Heat pump dryers don´t need an exhaust. They are very popular in Germany.
We were just talking to a friend about getting by one of those!
Miele is the best brand for appliances in germany, expensive but very good.
@@tnit7554 I have a Miele vacuum cleaner and I loooove it! I didn’t know they made dryers.
The only time I got to go to Germany was in late 2006,right before October fest.I was flown from Camp TQ,Iraq to Ramstien Air Force hospitol,I was wounded in Iraq.Stayed at the Kyle barracks in Ramstein for 3 1/2 months.I shocked to see little kids at pubs and drinking too.WOW. Germany was beautiful,wish I would've been stationed there.Had a nice time while I was there.
Greetings from K-town 🙏
Little kids drinking at pubs? Teenagers, yes, but not little kids.
Hi Sara and Kevin, you fulfilled the American Dream of the 20's.....Getting Out.! It is sad to see the country that flew mankind to the moon became what it is now.
I'm Dutch, retired, and I started following American politics November 2020 and hoped Trump would loose. He did.......but nobody guessed where we would be after 2 years. It's not funny anymore. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Yes! America has such great potential but the far, extreme right is taking over and is tearing the country apart. It’s really sad to see. The normal people on the right have got to stand up to the far right to get the US to a good place. They don’t realize they could easily be heading towards Fascism.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife You are so wrong with that statement!
The far far left is tearing the USA apart, wanting to make it into a communist "utopia"!
The far right, which was the NSDAP in Germany, did so much to improve the standard of living of the working man in Germany.
No other government, ever, achieved as much in so short a time.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Correction, far right & left is tearing the country apart, the majority is in the middle, and fascism comes from both as well,you obviously watch fake news!
I love stiff towels too. You can skip the peeling.
Drying things outside is actually much better in winter because of two reasons:
1. Air is dryer so it dries your cloths much faster.
2. Sun is dimmer so it doesn't destroy paint on textiles by photo-chemical reactions.
Not only that (and the obvious electricity used), but dryers also produce a massive amount of wear and tear in the form of lint, causing you to replace clothing and textiles more often than when just being hung out to dry in the sun.
@@forkless ah yes, during my studies some 10 years ago I actually read several science papers on it, how USA regulates textile industry by regulating washing and drying mashines so they destroy closhes faster.
America needed this economic policy because she was conquering a lot of Indonesian, Argentinian and Vietnamese farmland from hands local farmers. Now she finished most of conquest and I hope they will make the law on it normal, healthy and efficent, so the whole country could profit, not just the textile industry.
I really love your videos 😍❤❤❤
I grew up in Eastwestfalia, we have a very strong hiking culture here. It's practically the usual Sunday afternoon activity for the whole family. Sundays start with church (though that's quite optional nowadays), Sonntagsbraten, Hiking and has its climax with "Kaffee & Kuchen" in a Cafè near the hiking trail. 🤩 Hiking is highly endorsed in my corner of the world by schools, communities, clubs and social organizations in general. In my school (Gymnasium) there were at least 4 Wandertage (hiking days) per school year and an additional hiking day with the whole school ending with a big barbecue. As you said hiking starts in kindergarden. In 8th Grade we did the Eggefreund hike, that's a hike along the Eggeweg, a 70 km trail through the Eggegebirge, we did it in three parts! In Eastwestfalia hiking is considered a social event, to connect with people and nature, experience belonging and have fun. Even at my work place we rather go hiking when we do a Betriebsausflug. 😁
You are such a sweet couple (with sweet Kids and pets). I enjoy your videos very much :-)
I'm so glad I just came across your channel.
I was born in Germany but have been here in the US since 1956 when I was 7 years old.
I lived in a kinderheim so was malnourished and never thought about going back.
After seeing this video I now wish I had gone back to find family and live like the Germans do.
I have been watching you for one year and I want to add: You look happy and it seems that you are full of energy.♥
Thank you!
Hallo und Grüße nach Bayern. Tolles Video! Ihr seid so sympathisch :-). Coming soon to visit Bayern in a week. Can´t wait to be there and seeing something different. Schönen Sonntag und gut durchlüften, bevor die große Hitze startet :-)
Hallo Peter! Gute Reise!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Danke!
About the drivers licence: I have no doubt you will pass the theory very well despite it being a lot to learn. I would recommend to take a couple of practical lessons as well. Not because I don't think you can drive but because they are very very strict with their practical rules. There are also a bunch of videos on RUclips about practical lessons. They as well might give you an idea about what to expect. And you do seem to have a lot on your plate. I admire how you do all this.
Such great advice, thank you for sharing! I didn’t know there were videos on the practical lessons. I will look those up!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife you might benefit from taking an in person lesson too, just getting into the groove of following the directions and doing some of the test stuff (rapid braking, figuring out oil levels or parallel parking may be tested)